Dr Pepper raises a bottle to 125th anniversary

PLANO, Texas Dr Pepper celebrated its 125th anniversary by ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange earlier this week.

To keep the merriment going, Dr Pepper will launch a wide range of activities to share the celebration of 125 years with the consumers who made its success possible. This includes an ad of Dr Pepper Cherry debuting during Super Bowl XLIV on Feb. 7, with a new spot featuring "Doctor Love" Gene Simmons, joined by Paul Stanley and their KISS band mates.

"Dr Pepper has an unrivaled taste and a maverick spirit," said Tony Jacobs, VP marketing for Dr Pepper. "Starting out 125 years ago as a regional drink, Dr Pepper has expanded into a revered national brand by connecting with consumers because of its unique taste and the brand's dedication to making emotional connections with its consumers."

Boasting the No.4 position as bestselling soft drink brand, Dr Pepper grew U.S. volume an average 4% per year over the last 20 years. Such innovations as the introduction of 23 flavor varieties (both permanent and limited edition offerings) and the recent "Trust Me, I'm a Dr" campaign, which featured an array of celebrities, the brand assures its consumers it will be around for a long time.

"We want Dr Pepper-lovers everywhere to know that we are committed to providing the same great taste experience that they've come to expect from Dr Pepper for many years to come," Jacobs added.